Show Proof of Insurance with Your Phone

Kentucky Approves Electronic Proof of Car Insurance

Kentucky is now the 11th state to allow drivers to keep an electronic version of their auto insurance card to show proof of coverage.

Gov. Steve Beshear signed the bill, HB 164, on March 22.

“Approval of HB 164 is good news for consumers and the courts,” said Jeffrey Junkas, a regional manager for trade organization Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). “Drivers can show they carry insurance in a traffic stop even without the little piece of paper in their glove compartment and courts can avoid unnecessary fix-it tickets“.

An insurance card in an electronic format means the display of an image on any portable electronic device, including a cellular phone or any other type of portable electronic device, depicting a current valid representation of the card.

Smartphones and PDF Copies

It means you can show proof of insurance with a smartphone app or PDF copy of your policy. If you buy auto coverage online, you can get proof of insurance immediately, and updated information can be sent by smartphone after each renewal, always keeping the most up-to-date version handy in your phone.

Both Arkansas and Wyoming have cleared similar bills this year. Other states that allow electronic proof include: Alabama, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana and Minnesota. They all allow the use of e-cards at traffic stops and at the time of vehicle registration.

PCI anticipates over 20 states will consider electronic proof of coverage bills or regulations in 2013.